Tuesday, September 09, 2014

SINGTAM,
SEPTEMBER 9: State Level Indra Jatra Celebration
held at Singtam marked a historic moment. It was for the first time that the
Kumari Devi’s puja had been performed outside Gangtok since last five years. Singtam,
the busiest town in Sikkim takes the honour to receive the Kumari for the first
year; it has been announced that Indra Jatra, the biggest festival of Newar
community shall travel to different places of Sikkim for the coming eight years
and shall return to Gangtok thereafter.

The Indra Jatra event
was organised by Sikkim Newar Guthi and hosted by Indra Jatra Celebration Committee
2014, Singtam. The festival was held in two phases; the morning (the ritual)
session and the second (cultural) session.

Somnath Poudhyal, Area MLA
cum Minister, Food Security & Agriculture & AHVS was the Chief Guest of the morning
session that included Indra Rath Poojan
and Kumari Jatra. The puja was performed
by Parampujiya Guruji Shri Shri Suryabir Tuladhar from Swayambu Mandir,
Gangtok. Thousands of Newars from different corner of the state had visited Singtam,
the venue of the event. Sagoon (Samay-baji)
was offered to every individuals after the completion of the puja.

Kumari Jatra, highlight of the Indra
Jatra Celebration had a procession that moved through the Singtam bazaar and
return back to the venue. Newar community in their traditional costumes
carrying the banners of their respective guthi
participated in huge gathering. Lakhey Dance was performed in the streets of
Singtam for the very first time. On returning back to the stage, bhoj was offered to the gathered crowds.

Bikash Pradhan, Newar
Language Teacher from Namthang SSS gave a brief introduction of the day and
told about the importance of Indra Jatra and Kumar Puja in Newar community.

The afternoon session
started with the arrival of Ugen T Gyatso, Minister Tourism and Aviation, who
also was the Chief Guest of the cultural event. Highlight of the second session
was the release of ‘NEWA’, a documentary on Newar Language and Culture. The documentary
was made by Badhaichha Creation, Singtam. Chief Guest and other guests released
the DVD where the unit team of ‘NEWA’ was also offered khadas by the Chief
Guest on the stage. The documentary offers a simplest means of speaking newar language
and learning cultural knowledge. Praveen Pradhan and Shital Pradhan had
directed the documentary.

The Chief Guest and other
guests were offered newar topi and memento from the Sikkim Newar Guthi. TB
Pradhan, President, Indra Jatra Celebration Committee 2014, Singtam gave the
welcome speech. Pradhan shared his experience for an opportunity to organize such
a huge responsibility in his shoulder. He thanked every individual for their
support.

Different cultural
programmes were performed by the participants from Namchi Sakha Guthi, Dentam Sakha
Guthi, Melli Dara Sakha Guthi and Gangtok. Rajendra Pradhan from Namchi,
Pushpan Pradhan from Doars and Arun Pradhan from Singtam entertained the crowds
with their thrilling voices. Smarika, Indra Jatra Samaroh 2014 was also released on the occasion.

Bikram Pradhan, Chief Whip, Government
of Sikkim in speech shared his experience and the blessing on Indra
Jatra. He spoked about the Government’s role in the development on Newars of
Sikkim. Somnath Poudhyal, Area MLA cum Minister, Food Security & Agriculture
& AHVS applauded the achievements of the Newars in Sikkim in his words and said
it is an example for the society. Ugen T Gyatso, Minister Tourism and Aviation
added Indra Jatra festival should be acknowledged as a tourism festival. He further
said Singtam has managed to keep the prestige and status of a state level Indra
Jatra. Prakash Pradhan and Jayashree Pradhan were the Master of Ceremony of the program.

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When i started my blog on Sikkim way back in 2007, i had it clear on my mind that this blog shall help people look out for knowledge on Sikkim. I always wanted a knowledge house about Sikkim, its past, present and future. I do not know over the years how much did i succeed but my determination to let other understand my Sikkim is always giving me a push.
with regards
Shital Pradhan
(himalayanreview@gmail.com)